New Cabinet team focused on growing Alberta's future

New structure to change the way government does business.

Premier Alison Redford has named a new Cabinet team that will help bring about the change that Albertans recently voted for.

“This restructuring is about achieving our goals and aligning our workforce with the priorities of this government,” Redford said. “This new Cabinet structure allows us to focus on the things that matter most to Albertans - a strong fiscal framework, caring for our most vulnerable citizens, promoting our resources, and solid consultation processes that ensure Albertans are heard.”

“We have a good mix of new and experienced MLAs. This is a team that is committed to the positive, constructive plan that we put forward during the election campaign that will help to build Albertans’ future.”

A significant change is the position of Deputy Premier. The new Deputy Premier, who will not be responsible for a Ministry, will be chairing the Operations Policy Committee, which will ensure that policies reflect Albertans’ needs and that government consults regularly with Albertans.

“Thomas Lukaszuk will give a unique energy to the role of Deputy Premier and will help successfully drive the political agenda for this new government.”

This streamlined structure will allow Doug Horner, President of Treasury Board & Minister of Finance, to focus on one of the Premier’s main priorities: results-based budgeting.

“Results-based budgeting is an important initiative for this government. Albertans expect their government to treat their tax dollars with the same care and respect they do,” said Redford. “We will scrutinize all costs, challenge automatic growth in spending, and invest funds where we know they are going to make a positive difference in the lives of Albertans and their communities.”

The new Cabinet will take the helm of a revitalized government structure that will target three priority areas:

Investing in Families and Communities - Supporting healthy and strong families and communities is an investment in Albertans and Alberta’s future.

Under the Minister of Service Alberta, an Associate Minister is responsible for Accountability, Transparency and Transformation, which will review Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP) and oversee the change in the way the Government of Alberta does business.

Seniors is moving to the Ministry of Health to enhance continuity in the short and long-term care of Alberta’s aging population.

Sustainable Resource Development and Environment are consolidating.

Justice and Solicitor General are one under the Ministry of Justice & Solicitor General.

Aboriginal relations will have its own ministry, and their first priority is to finish the review of the First Nations Consultation Policy.

PDD and AISH are now under Human Services.

Premier Redford will chair her first Cabinet Meeting after the swearing-in by Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor on May 8 at Government House. Steve Young has also been named Government Whip.

“Albertans have put their trust in us and going forward, we will demonstrate beyond a doubt that our government will be the change that Albertans are looking for,” Redford said.

Redford also announced the appointment of seven associate ministers who will reflect the Premier’s priorities and membership in the government’s renewed committee structure.

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Backgrounders: List of Cabinet members in order of precedence, government structure and committees